Lincoln Memorial The majestic monument to the president who preserved America’s unity and began the long process of ending slavery is built in the form of a Greek temple. Daniel Chester French designed the enormous statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln in 1915, and it is among America’s most inspiring sites, especially for its association … Read more

US Botanic Garden The gleaming glass-walled conservatory building is a beautiful home for this “living plant museum.” Microclimates, such as desert, oasis, and jungle, reveal the variety and beauty of plant adaptations. Don’t miss the primitive ferns and other plants dating back 150 million years. Outside is the variegated National Garden with an environmental learning … Read more

War Memorial Opera House and San Francisco Ballet The San Francisco Opera Company is the second largest in the country and performs from June to January. The excellent San Francisco Ballet, one of the nation’s oldest, mostly performs at the Opera House, too . 301 Van Ness Ave 415 864 3330 War Memorial Opera House … Read more

Exploratorium Kids can experience one of the finest, uniquely San Francisco interactive days at this superb science museum. They’ll learn all about their senses and how they work, as well as delve into all the laws of physics through first-hand experiments. The top draw, however, is the Tactile Dome, a totally dark sphere in which … Read more

Ice-cold Mojito cocktail Tresor Club Berlin’s first techno club, Tresor Club opened in 1991 in the basement vault-rooms of the former Wertheim department store. Today, this institution is located in a giant former power station, situated over three floors including the +4 Bar, which has views of the old power station ruins. The club continues … Read more

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra: www.berlin-philharmonic.com Deutsches Theater: www.deutsches-theater.berlin.net Staatsoper Unter den Linden Both the theatre troupe and the orchestra of the venerable Berlin Opera enjoy top reputations. No where else can you see so many top stars of classical music. During refurbishment from mid-2010 to 2013, performances will take place at Schillertheater, Bismarckstr. 110. 030 20 … Read more

British Museum The oldest museum in the world, and one of London’s most fascinating, contains treasures and artifacts from all over the world . Natural History Museum Life on Earth and the Earth itself are vividly explained here using hundreds of traditional and interactive exhibits . Science Museum This exciting museum traces centuries of scientific … Read more

The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery Located adjacent to each other at the top of Trafalgar Square, these comprehensive galleries make up the core of Britain’s art collection . The National Gallery Tate Modern Housed in a huge converted power station on the south bank of the Thames, this exciting new gallery covers modern … Read more

Les Misérables The 1862 novel by Victor Hugo (1802–85) is an all-too-vivid portrayal of the poor and the dispossessed in early 19th-century Paris. At its centre is the tale of nobleman Jean Valjean, unfairly victimized by an unjust system. The younger character of Marius is based around Hugo’s own experiences as an impoverished student. Plaque … Read more

Eiffel Tower Although the top of the Eiffel Tower can be seen above rooftops across the city, one of the best views of this Paris landmark is from the Seine. The Pont d’Iéna lies at the foot of the tower, bridging the river to link it to the Trocadéro Gardens. The tower, illuminated at night, … Read more

Beacon Theatre Name the stars and they’ve probably been on stage at the Beacon, where the likes of Bob Dylan, Sting, and B.B. King have performed. Shows range from pop music and light rock to gospel and world music. Broadway at West 74th St Open 1 hour before show Admission charge Beacon Theatre Village Vanguard … Read more

King Cole Bar and Lounge Maxfield Parrish’s famous mural of Old King Cole, rich mahogany paneling, and sumptuous seating set the stage for New York’s most famous hotel bar, which has only been admitting women since 1950. Lush, luxurious, and very expensive, the soft piano music sets a mood that makes it easy to clinch … Read more

Beehive The nightly music mix here might sometimes veer to cabaret or even burlesque, but local jazz musicians are the mainstay for a usually well-dressed, mature crowd at least a decade past their schooldays. Convivial bar scene and some excellent comfort food, such as paella or polenta with ratatouille, round out the multi-­faceted appeal of … Read more

Symphony Hall Opened in 1900, Symphony Hall is one of the world’s most acoustically perfect concert venues (it is a National Historic Landmark) and is the home of the internationally renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra. The BSO commissions many new works, performs US and world premieres, and also frequently welcomes sought-after guest conductors and soloists. 301 … Read more

Canadian National Exhibition The “Ex” is an 18-day extravaganza with 65 rides on a frenetic midway, themed pavilions, performers of all kinds – from musicians to dancers to jugglers – nightly fireworks, and a dazzling international airshow starring the world-renowned Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. Exhibition Pl mid-Aug–Labour Day Airshow, Canadian National Exhibition Canada Day This … Read more

Royal Ontario Museum A truly magical place for children, Canada’s largest museum makes a special effort to have plenty of hands-on exhibits. The much-loved Dinosaur Gallery and mummy cases are strictly “don’t touch,” but the Hands-On Biodiversity Gallery enchants and educates youngsters with interactive exhibits . Royal Ontario Museum Hockey Hall of Fame Budding hockey … Read more

Elephant Housed in a Modernista villa, filled with candles and Moroccan lamps, this swish nightclub attracts a fashionable young crowd. But the real highlight is the garden, where lounge beds with diaphanous white drapes, fountains and giant elephant statues add an exotic touch. In winter, the outdoor dance floor is transformed into a spectacular tent.  … Read more

Passeig de Gràcia Barcelona’s grand avenue of lavish Modernista buildings is fittingly home to the city’s premier fashion and design stores. From the international big league (Chanel, Gucci, Swatch) to Spain’s heavy hitters (Loewe, Camper, Zara, Mango), it’s all here. And topping the interior design list is the perennially popular Vinçon. Side streets reveal more … Read more

Spa of the month – GoldenEye, Jamaica If you’re looking for a laid back Caribbean experience with a bit of celebrity magic thrown in, GoldenEye might be just the place for you. Located in Oracabessa on the north coast of Kamaica, GoldenEye is the quintessential cool resort. The property began life as a villa built … Read more

Fun: The monthly Full Moon BBQ at the Bizot Bar kicks off with cocktails to the sounds of Radio Nova. The BBQ – if you have time to eat between dancing – has spicy jerk chicken, jerk pork, steaks, ribs, lobster and snapper and is served buffet style with a full salad bar. Must try: … Read more